December 1596, 26–31

Alonso Nunez de Herrera to the Earl of Essex.

1596, Dec. 26.

The King of Barbary wrote a letter in my behalf to the Queen, entreating her to grant me liberty, as by the enclosed copy you may see. She answered that I being one of the pledges for the 120,000 ducats, that matter must be conferred of with the generals. Wherefore I beseech you to understand that I was not born in Spain nor any subject thereof, and that my father hath dwelt in the state of the great Duke of Toscana and is now at Venice. My uncle is the King of Barbary's merchant resident in that kingdom, whither I went from Florence in the same King's service, and from thence to Cales, only as a merchant stranger factor for my uncle. So that I cannot be pledge for any Spanish or other matter, my sovereign being in amity with the Queen. Notwithstanding, I submit myself to pay for ransom what you shall command. Seeing I am not subject of Spain I beseech you would command me to be separated from that company, and that I may be in London with some friend, giving surety.—Ware, 26 Dec. 1596.

Endorsed :—“English copy.”

1 p. (174. 60.)

Noel de Caron to Sir Robert Cecil.

1596, Dec. 26.

Prays Cecil's favour for the bearer Sr. Ciprian Gabry, in the business which he has against Thomas Couteel, according to the petition enclosed. Details of the case, which concerns Gabry's father-in-law, Sr. Malepart, and his debts.—London, 26 Dec. 1596.

Holograph. French. 1 p. (174. 61.)

Sir Robert Sydney to the Earl of Essex.

1596, Dec. 27.

Of the 18th I have received letters from Robert White, by which I understand that her Majesty means to employ me in an urgent affair (for so be his words) to the States, and that you hoped I should have no cause to mislike it; and that by your further speech he did gather, that it should be the same matter Mr. Bodley had had no success in, and now doth absolutely refuse to undertake any further. By Boord, whom I now look for by the first wind, I trust I shall hear from yourself if there be any such thing. In the meantime I beseech you to give me leave to say this much, that as I assure myself you will not give way to anything which you think unfit for me, and although I will not refuse anything which may be thought necessary for her Majesty's service, so, my lord, the time and the manner make me very doubtful of it. Not that I have any respect of pleasing or displeasing here, for I have no other ends in this place but her Majesty's profit or contentment; or that I would shrink from the charge, as foreseeing that the success will not be perhaps very fortunate. For if I do all what I can, mine own thoughts will be satisfied, and I hope her Majesty will look for no more at my hands than to have faithfully and carefully discharged her commandments. But mine own private business do exceedingly urge my being in England, and this time of winter may both give me means to despatch them and license my absence from Flushing, which will not be so well in the spring, when the King of Spain will send his navy to sea, and the Cardinal take the field. The manner also, my lord, is not without great exceptions. For I know the odds between receiving directions from the Queen herself, where her pleasure may be directly known and the doubts, if any be in the instructions, made plain, and to receive them in such writings as I have ordinarily seen given, which being confusedly set down, if the minister have not exceeding good luck to light upon the right, it is danger he shall not perform what is intended he should do. In the meantime he [is] subject to a thousand troubles in himself, and to as many blames if anything be wanting, and to have them his judges whose not sufficiently penning the instructions have been cause of the errors. Besides, I am absolutely unacquainted with the courses which have been held hither-unto in these matters, so as when I shall negotiate with the States in a point never so clear, they may stop my mouth with what they will, and I not able to reply, except from my Lord Treasurer, who hath managed all things, and from Sir Thomas Wilkes and Mr. Bodley, who have been employed in these actions, I may be made acquainted with what hath passed until this time. For mine own reputation, it is a small matter in the world whether I bring matters to pass or not. But the want of my prospering will fall out to the Queen's disprofit and discontentment; and therefore not in respect of me but in respect of her own service, she must see I be so provided as I may accomplish her will. And lastly, I must put your lordship in mind, and desire you not to forget me in it, that if the Queen will employ me in an extraordinary charge that she will also give me means for it. For I cannot live here without great expenses, having neither house nor provisions, and the dearness of these countries is well enough known. Neither can I remove so from Flushing but I must leave a charge behind me; and never will I live in such a place of resort as this is (while I have means) but to the honour of her which sends me, and to mine own reputation. Your lordship may hereout gather that my not going into England is that which lies heaviliest upon me in this matter, from the hope whereof
I am very suddenly fallen by the unlooked for alarum of this employment; which yet I see was by some resolved upon a good while since, though kept from me. For a good many days ago it was written out of Mr. Secretary's chamber, that this feast was provided for me; at which time being told me, I did not believe it, and did less desire it. But if her Majesty will have it so, and that your lordship doth advise me to it, I will not refuse it; but ever desiring that I may go into England to receive my despatch thence, where among other helps unto me, you shall have means to support me if there be occasion because I will acquaint you with everything that shall be laid upon me, whereas a letter may be sent me with cross directions, and you never a whit the wiser. And herein the Queen shall not only purchase thanks of me, but shall neither hinder her own desires to have her business despatched and shall take a fitter occasion to have anything proposed to the States that she hath a will unto. For these countries are not governed by one as England is, nor by one settled body as Venice and such commonwealths be, but of divers bodies, all which if they be not together, nothing can be handled. Now, my lord, at this time the provinces are not assembled, nor will not be till March at the soonest, and so I doubt not but Mr. Gilpin hath advertised. All the time between cannot serve to despatch any business of the Queen's, for they which remain here will not enter into anything (if they be not some matters of course) without the general assembly of all the provinces. In this vacancy I may go into England, receive her Majesty's pleasure and commandments, despatch mine own business, and be here again before there will be any time to do anything. Besides, if her Majesty stay till about that time, the States will already have brought the provinces to resolve upon their extraordinary contributions, out of which it may be they will be able to spare somewhat unto her, or at the least, when the one is once granted the motion of the other will not be so unwelcome as if they come both together; whereas otherwise the desiring of both together may make both be refused. Her Majesty may do as it pleaseth her, and as she hastened away once Mr. Bodley and made him come hither three months afore he could do anything, though he had made the like protestation that I now do : for the coming of a servant of the Queen hither will not make them go a whit out of their old way, and less now than ever, because they will look for nothing that will please them. I beseech your lordship therefore to consider of these reasons and to make the Queen to taste them well; so I have a month in England I care not for any more. I will be ready, if the Queen will so have it, to come away upon any warning. I am too tedious with your lordship, but I beseech you construe it to be out of the confidence I only repose in you; for hereof I write to none but to your lordship of all the Council.—At Hague, the 27 of December, 1596.

Holograph. 6 pp. (47. 52.)

Sir Edm. Uvedall to Sir Robert Cecil.

1596, Dec. 28.

Yours of the 17th inst. I received the 23rd, a day or two afore which time John Warren, Mr. Beecher's factor, went out of this town to Middleburgh, where he remains. On the receipt of your letter I would have sent for Warren to come hither, but Jasper Van Hissien, who brought me your letter, desired first to speak with him, which he did, and 25th he came to me again, and brought a letter from my Lord Treasurer, to the same purpose yours was, and then desired me to send for Warren, which I did; but he came not and therefore the 27th I went to Middleburgh where I and Van Hissien dealt with
Warren about the repayment of the 600l. To which he answered, protesting with great oaths, that neither then nor at the time he heard of his master's breaking, he had not ten shillings by him nor in any other man's hands that he could get, for that all that ever he had was attached. And for the 600l. he showed Van Hissien a note of the days of the receipt and the day that he delivered that and more to Mr. Kenneth for the paying of the garrisons of Flushing and the Brill; and withal told him that as soon as his creditors would give him liberty he would truly, inasmuch as he knew, make known what means both himself and his master had to give content.—Flushing, 28 December, 1596.

Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (47. 56.)

John Daniel to Sir Robert Cecil.

1596, Dec. 20.

I send you here enclosed Mr. Freman's note, beseeching you either to procure your father's warrant according to his request, or to take some present order that he may receive 250l., otherwise he will deal no farther for Thomas Geffrey's liberty, for that he is to go for Italy within these four days. I thought it my duty to certify you, as I am informed, that James Archer the Jesuit, with two or three priests more, came out of Spain about 6 months ago, and landed in co. Wexford. Archer was born in Kilkenny. There is no doubt (if that report be true) but that he was an earnest persuader of the Earl of Ormond's nephews to enter into their wicked rebellion. If Archer came not thither himself, there is no doubt but those that came were accompanied with his letters and instructions, as well to Sir Edmond Butler's sons as also others of the best and civilest sort in towns and abroad in the counties thereabouts.—This 20 of December, 1596.

Holograph. Seal. 2/3p.

Enclosed :—Request by George Freman for the Lord Treasurer's warrant to the searchers of the port of London to pay 250l. out of the next goods found cessed for nonpayment of the Queen's custom; if within six days this may be procured he will perform his promise.

¼ p. (47. 57.)

Richard Douglas to Archibald Douglas, his uncle, one of his [Scottish] Majesty's Council.

1596, Dec. 20.

I doubt nothing but ye have oft, both in thought and word, condemned me as forgetful and unthankful, who this great while past has not advertised you neither of any matter concerning yourself nor yet of the state of matters here; which if I had not great and weighty reasons for me, I could not in any wise excuse. But the truth is, as I wrote to you by my last, immediately after that, against all reason, and farther against the King's honour and weal than yours, you were denounced to the horn, I was both verbally discharged, and a proclamation set forth forbidding all men to write or to entertain intelligence with any in that country by the knowledge and privity of his Majesty or Secretary; which proclamation was principally made, as I was surely advertised by some of no small credit, principally to entrap me and to draw me within the compass of treason, and spies and means were used to have intercepted my letters if any I had sent. Therefore, since by my writing, except I had found a quiet and sure convoy, I might have procured harm and irrecoverable loss to myself and no benefit to you, I abstained hithertills, not forgetting in the mean time neither my duty to you, which shall ever be with me in highest commendation, nor yet
to use the means I could, either by myself or friends, to procure your benefit and credit, which your enemies upon imagined grounds, to his Majesty's greater loss than yours, have sought to diminish. It shall be ever my greatest care, and either with God's assistance shall I yet bring it about, that you shall be honourably sent for and employed, or else I shall succumb and perish in that quarrel. For professed enemies here you have none except Sir George who, upon a malice to all your name and fear of your advancement and home coming, procured that horning, whose credit is nothing diminished nor yet his evil will to us. And for your man Foules, I account not so much of him who is known to all men except to the King to be a vain fool, albeit he has been a very evil instrument against you. I have used many ways, and caused others also to travail in the same, to have laid by Sir George his malice, and to have entered in friendship with him; but he, suspecting according to his own evil inclination others after his own humour, thinks that while he enjoys the living of Shott none of that name will but seek his fall; and since we see that by his goodwill your matter cannot be compassed, there is no remedy but we must seek by him to come to it, or else either to cast him or his credit, whereof I despair not by the help of some whose credit increases daily, but yet dare not expressly oppose themselves to Sir George, but will work it indirectly, I trust, ere it be long. The President, who is very like to be promoved to be Chancellor, and the Secretary have promised all their assistance, and my Lady Seton his mother who is in great credit with the Queen, who now is in great favour and rules the King her husband, has offered herself to move the Queen, and all others with whom she has credit, in your matter, confessing to me how far she was obliged both to your help and advice in her greatest necessity. I pray your lordship, by the first occasion you may, to give her thanks of her goodwill, and to desire her to insist and continue in that good will towards you as occasion shall offer, and as I shall advertise her ladyship when time requires. By my next, which must be by this or the like address, for any other way I dare not use as yet, your lordship shall understand a greater progress, I trust, in your matters. Our estate here is not in good terms, for this division fallen out betwixt the King and the ministry, who seeks now to take from them that liberty which they have long had, is like to produce dangerous effects for factious people to make their advantage of; for if the King remain constant at this point he is now at against them, they will not fail to raise a faction against him, and it is suspected they shall not want assistance thereunto from that country; and if the King yield to them he endangers his credit and reputation, being once embarked so far against them. Always by this faction the papist lords are like to settle themselves, for Angus has bought his living from the Duke and it settled in the person of his son, Huntley offers to subscribe and embrace the religion, and Errol desires conference whereby he may be reduced, and all three would now be contented to enter in dealing with her Majesty of that realm to lay off her evil will from them, and to make her sufficient surety of their peaceable intentions to embrace no foreign course prejudicial to her nor her estate and dominions, and to bind themselves thereto. Which if ye think may be friendly heard there, upon your secret advertisement to me, I shall cause further matter be sent you from themselves. And thus to my next advertisement, which I shall seek to send when I have any sure convoy.—Edinburgh, this 29 of December, 1596.

[P.S.] My brother, Mr. Samuel, is troubled with Edward Johnstone who in no ways will consent to seek his silver in London, and as for me, I would rather pay it than my brother should be troubled therefore if I
had the money, and for Robert Graham, he stands decreed to pay that silver to Logie, neither has any other any right to pursue for it; neither will I be able to get anything of Colfargie so long as my lord of Angus stands forfeited, and no heir to Earl Archibald, so for the time I can see no remedy but Mr. Samuel must pay that money.

Holograph. 3 pp. (47. 58.)

Captain N. Dawtrey to Sir Robert Cecil.

1596, Dec. 29.

Beginning now to recover from an extreme cold, will attend Cecil's pleasure. Asks him in the meanwhile to move her Majesty for her warrant for the lease in reversion she granted him, to be so enlarged that he may pay his debts, &c.—29 December, 1596.

Holograph. Seal. ½ p. (47. 60.)

Lord Cobham.

1596, Dec. 29.

Note of profit from Lord Cobham's farm at Lowell.

1 p. (145. 187.)

Count Maurice of Nassau to the Earl of Essex.

1596, Dec. 29./1597, Jan. 8.

The Estates General have thought good to exchange lances for pistols in such troops as are armed with them, and to ordain that each company should have 25 men, fully armed, each with a baggage horse, and for that purpose has increased the pay by ten florins the month. As some of the English companies are feeble and small, he finds it requisite, for the service of Her Majesty and the carrying out of the order, to reduce these companies, so that each be hereafter of 100 men and have, if possible, 25 men armed and mounted as above. Begs him, therefore, to persuade the Queen to consent, according to the charge he has given to the Sieur de Schoonerval, and the solicitation of their friends by Vere, Sydney and Parker. He hopes that thereby the Queen will be better served.—The Hague, 8 January, 1597. Signed.

French. 2 pp. (147. 121.)

Sir Anthony Mildmay to the Queen.

1596, Dec. 30.

According to your Highness's commandment I moved the King for the enterprise of Calais, to whom I needed not use many reasons of persuasion about that matter, finding him so willing at the first motion to yield thereunto as a matter importing him very much and your Majesty also, whom (he saith) he loveth and honoureth much more than himself. He rejoiceth much that your Majesty concurreth with him in opinion, not only in the danger and annoyance which that place breedeth to you both, but in an assured resolution to remove so great an offence with all the speed possible, whilst the enemy, weakened by his late losses, is as yet unable and unapt to hinder your designs. For the better effecting whereof, and for your Majesty's satisfaction, he desireth you to send some person of credit to Dieppe to confer with him thereupon; he will likewise send to Count Maurice to entreat him thither, that the time, the number of men, and the manner of proceeding being fully agreed upon, it may presently be put in execution. The men he prayeth may be in a readiness in the meantime, that they may consult and execute both together, if it be possible. If your Majesty
proceed in this matter I pray God send you that success which I wish for your contentation especially and the good of your poor subjects, who are much straightened in their traffic by the incommodity of that place. It will stop the course of treaty of peace with Spain, which, whatsoever is here pretended to the contrary, there is great reason to doubt in respect of the artifice used in the handling thereof, besides the general assent thereto, to the which it seemeth they have intended and bent their whole wits at this present. The King's resolution only hath stayed it hitherto, from the which he willed me to assure your Majesty that nothing should ever have power to remove him, both in respect of your Highness's contentment and his own good, foreseeing his own ruin if any such thing should be effected. I humbly thank your Majesty for your gracious acceptance, expressed in your letters, of my poor travails. I pray God make me able to deserve so great favour with all the service I can do, which if it might once in any proportion answer the faith and zeal with the which I serve, I would hope well to give your Majesty better satisfaction thereof, which I only seek and sue for at the hands of the Highest.—From Rouen, the 30th of December, 1596.

Holograph. Two seals. 1 pp. (47. 61.)

Richard Carmarden, W. Borough, and Thomas Middelton to Lord Burghley.

1596, Dec. 31.

We received your letter of the 24th of this December, with the petition of William Stalleng, of Plymouth, unto you for the payment of 407l. 11s. 4d. by him disbursed by order from the Lord Admiral, for victualling in May last certain ships that served in the India voyage with Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Hawkins, being then returned back to Plymouth; which petition you appointed to be considered by Mr. Quarles and Mr. Darell, and the same to be answered by them, which they did endorse, signifying thereby unto you that the same 407l. 11s. 4d., with 89l. 1s. disbursed in like manner by Jonas Quarles at Portsmouth for the victualling of some of the ships of that fleet that arrived there (and divers other sums owing unto sundry persons for victuals taken up for relieving of that fleet after their return in that voyage upon the coast of this realm), was not to be demanded by them in an ordinary estimate, but ought to be allowed and paid out of the treasure returned in that voyage, or by Thos. Drake and the Lady Hawkins, the executors of the two late generals that died in that service. Both which sums your lordship, in your said letter, requireth may be paid accordingly, or otherwise to let you understand some reasonable cause to the contrary. The charge for victualling the ships that served in that voyage, since they arrived upon the coast of England and before they arrived to the ports where their companies were discharged, doth amount to 965l. 5s. 4d., as appeareth by sundry accounts and bills for the same which we have seen, whereof those two parcels before mentioned, owing to William Stalleng and Jonas Quarles, are part. Moreover, there is owing unto sundry mariners that served in that voyage, as we judge, about the sum of 300l., for the payment whereof we want money. We know not how the same sums can be paid except Lady Hawkins and Thos. Drake be constrained to bring in and pay unto me Thos. Middelton the sum of 1500l. yet behind and unpaid, parcel of 4000l. which they should have paid for their third part, answerable to the 8000l. ready money disbursed by her Majesty for her two third parts. We see your lordship is troubled with suits by some of those to whom money is owing for those victuals; but if you
did see in what sort we are troubled with hard speeches by some of those that sue to recover that money due, as also by sundry poor mariners that served in that voyage for their wages yet unpaid, which we cannot despatch till order be taken for that money, we doubt not you would so pity their cases that order might be speedily taken for the payment of the said 1500l.—London, the last of December, 1596.

Endorsed :—“Decemb : 1596. A list of her Maties forces in Ireland, and how they are disposed.”

2 pp. (47. 63.)

Michael Stanhope to Sir Robert Cecil.

1596, Dec.

I thank you for your letter. My absence from the court is verily till that be despatched clearly from her Majesty; then I would be there within one hour. If it might be drawn into a letter, it would work much more effect, yet I stand not upon it, but if my lord of Buckhurst have the doing of it, it will be well enough. I mind not to be away one hour these holidays, nor to enter into bonds till work days come, that the days be longer.

Holograph. Seal, broken. ½ p. (47. 64.)

H. Hughes to Sir Robert Cecil.

1596, Dec.

My master, Sir Henry Bagenall, relying altogether upon the good hope of your wonted favour, hath addressed me hither to be suitor in his behalf for the granting unto him a reversion of the manor of Newcastle under Lyne, which he hath now in possession, and hath been held from her Majesty by his ancestors for a long time. And now, finding from you that her Majesty in these times is not well disposed to hearken unto like suits, and that you are not likewise pleased, in respect of your weightiest affairs, to move her Majesty any further in this behalf, not having any other hopes to bring the same to pass unless by the Master of Requests, whose despatch because I fear it will be long and uncertain, though I have commission to be liberally thankful unto any that would effect the same, I have resolved, for avoiding further vain charges, to return back into Ireland, and therefore beseech your letters unto my master, signifying in what unseasonable a time this suit is undertaken, by which I shall be discharged of blame. And forasmuch as my master, in regard of his long experience in the wars of Ireland and his good knowledge of the nature and disposition of that nation, is (as I hope) in the opinion of some of the wisest in that kingdom, very sufficient for managing her Majesty's service there, whereof he hath always and of late made good trial; of your wonted regard and the better to enable him in her Highness's service, may it please you and the rest of the Lords to write your letters to the Lord Deputy and Council of Ireland to require that if they shall think necessary to establish any government or command in the north of that real as at Knockfergus or the parts thereabouts, that the same may be disposed unto him, with expedient and usual entertainments.

Endorsed :—“December, 1596.”

Holograph. Seal, broken. 1 p. (47. 65.)

Edward Wymarke to Sir Robert Cecil.

1596, Dec.

I do not find any course to be taken with my Lord Thomas Howard but it will endanger my bond to Cutts, which I did not enter into to cross my lord or of any purpose to gain thereby myself, but only to stop the clamour which otherwise would have overthrown his lordship's particulars and all the rest. Most willingly I will refer myself to your order when the book is passed, and if you will have me assign it to Lord Thomas I will; or else, if you shall think well, keep the same in my hands until some end be made between Lord Thomas and Cutts for my security against Cutts' bond of 1,500l. Humbly I sue that you would suffer the same to pass the signet that it may be ready for the great seal to-morrow, for you know there may be many crosses if the same pass not before the holidays. Myself much weakened with sickness am not able to attend you.

Endorsed :—December, 1596.

Signed. Seal. ½ p. (47. 66.)

Foulke Grevyll to Sir Robert Cecil.

1596, Dec.

I most humbly thank you, and do assure your honour it was the Queen's resolute pleasure to have those letters written which I will soon wait upon you myself and justify. Till then I labour to bring down the pride of my nose, which is somewhat out of proportion for the time, and a little thing will easily misbecome an ill face. And so most
humbly desiring you honour that the letters may be ready as soon as your greater businesses will permit, and commend your honour to God.—Undated.

Endorsed :—“Dec. 1596.”

½ p. (174. 63.)

Elizabeth, Lady Russell to Sir Robert Cecil.

1595/6, Jan.

“I pray accept the hearty thanks of a poor widow that can no more for acquittal of your honourable liberality to as poor a maiden : you show yourself a complete courtier of this time to your honour by such actions and not least pleasing for the kind messages fit at such occasions both for place person and times. Thus having performed Han. Russell's request for giving of thanks both of the money and most kind message, as she termeth it, touching her coming among boxes, wishing you happiness and health to your own contentment I end with confessing that my proud heart promiseth to acquit to yourself any kindness you shall show to mine, if God make me ever able, which I look not for. So out of my bed, not well, I wish myself one of your company of the privy chamber to make me able to give a New years gift to Her Majesty, which now in faith I was not; your loving Aunt, Elizabeth Russell, Dowager. I pray do me the favour as to thank the Earl of Essex for his most honourable new year's gifts to my two daughters with the best words that Sir Robert Cecil can deliver, and the like I pray from me also to my Lady of Warwick and Cumberland for Nan's two carcanets and to your own father for his gilt pot. All these Nan hath named to me. From Bess I hear of nothing. Good Sir Robert Cecil do thus much as I desire that will thank you for it.”

Holograph. 1 p. (68. 11.)

Defence against the Spaniards.

1596.

Note of matters considered in Council, with marginal notes in Sir Robert Cecil's hand. As follows :—

(1.) “To advertise the Earl of Bath of the danger like to come, and to command him to provide that all the forces of the shire be in readiness to repair to such place as may be attempted. All appointed to find horse to put them in readiness and to be showed in the field and mustered.” (2.) “That warning to be given to all the gentlemen of the West parts that be here about London to repair down with speed.” [In margin : Proclamation.] (3.) “That all recusants be removed from their dwelling places and committed either to prison or to the houses of such as will answer for them. And for the knowledge of these recusants my lord of Canterbury is to deliver his opinion.” [Margin : Archbishop of Canterbury.] (4.) “That such recusants as have horse or geldings of service, or armour, to be taken and delivered to the custody of the lieutenants.” [Margin: Here ordered.] (5.) “The Earl of Bath to be written unto to certify what quantity of powder, match and lead there is in readiness if need be.” [Margin: to be put into the general letter, and a motive to increase the powder, Lord Keeper.] (6.) “That none that be principal men, gentlemen or others, be permitted to depart the country, but to be ordered to put themselves in arms by providing of such things as shall be needful.” [Margin : The general letter.] (7.) “That as many of her Majesty's ships as presently may be put to readiness, and the rest to be prepared an the same may be done.” [Margin : Done here.] (8.) “That the former orders for aiding one country with others to be put in execution and the
like letters to be renewed.” [Margin : Here.] (9.) “Advertisement to be given to the lord Marquis and lord Mountjoy of some intention of an exploit upon some of those parts as Portsmouth or the Wight, and therefore that the strength of the country be put in order for defence, &c.” [Margin : A private letter here. Mr. Smyth.] (10.) “The lord of Hunsdon to return to his charge.” [Margin : Here ordered.] (11.) “That Mr. Caron be advised to move the States to send more shipping to the Narrow Seas, considering the purpose of the King of Spain to send his forces thither.” [Margin : He comes hither.] (12) “All officers that have any manner of authority or charge in any maritime county to be commanded presently to repair down to their charge to attend the same; especially any that have custody of any forts on the sea coast to repair to their charge and to attend in person.” [Margin : The lord Treasurer to be pleased to cause letters to be made because his lordship hath the notes. In another hand. It is put into the proclamation.] (13.) “The justices of assise of the West to inquire what gentlemen of those parts be in and about the city.” [Margin : Mr. Wade may speak to the lord Chief Justice.] (14.) “That Sir Fer. Gorges may have his garrison increased to 100, both for defence of Plymouth and the Islands.” [Margin : The Queen contented with this, but her Majesty would have the country, according to the offer in Sir Ferd. Gorges letter, bear their parts. In this the Lords desire that the lord Treasurer will conceive the direction.] (15.) “That no inhabitant of any port town depart from their dwelling.” [Margin : Proclamation, put into the proclamation.] (16.) “That no shipping be suffered to pass out of the realm.” [Margin : Lord Admiral doth that.] (17.) “To know of Sir G. Carewe if the forts in Cornwall be furnished with ordnance as he had warrant. [No note.] (18.) “Pinnaces from the West to be sent to discover.” [Margin; Ordered here.]

Endorsed :—1596. Also with the following note by Sir Robert Cecil to his father :—

“The Lords have commanded me to acquaint your Lordship with what they have done and what they desire his Lordship to do, Ro. Cecyll.“

3 pp. (39. 74.)

Similar notes in the Earl of Essex's hand.

(1.) The Archbishop of Canterbury to take order “for the safe laying up of recusants.” [In margin, Ordered.] (2.) Persons of quality to repair home and put themselves in order. The lord Keeper to learn their names from the justices of assise. [Margin : Ordered.] (3.) All lieutenants and deputy lieutenants of maritime counties and all captains of castles and forts upon the sea coast to be commanded to reside upon and furnish their charges, notifying the Council if they want anything which cannot be supplied in the country. [Margin; Mr. Secretary. Mr. Waad shall go to my lord Treasurer for the writing of letters to that end.] (4.) All lieutenants throughout England to be written to to muster the forces of their counties and see that captains of horse and foot are with their charges; and all recusants' horses and armour taken from them for her Majesty's service. [Margin; Mr. Sec. Ordered.] (5.) “The orders in the year '88 to be sought in the Council client, and, according to those precedents,” direction given where forces are to repair in case of alarm; and the forces to be accompanied with victuals and pioneers with tools “as was in those former orders set down.” [M.; Mr. Sec. Ordered.] (6.) The lord Admiral to declare how many
ships he can set out, and when, and give a note of preparations necessary in his office. [M.: L. Ad. Ordered.] (7.) Sir George Carre to make a note of all provisions belonging to the office of the Ordnance, both for the general store of the realm and for an army to be presently made, and see that all contained in the note is ready. [Margin: Sir G. Care. He is sent for.] (8.) A general of victuals to be named who shall provide magazines of victual in all counties most likely to be attacked, and have his under commissary in each of such counties. (9.) “A store of victual to be forthwith gotten out of the Low Countries to serve both for sea and land services; and to that end Mons. Caron and the Deputies of the States to be forthwith dealt withal, and some person to be sent from her Majesty to the Low Countries; for if the business be well handled her Majesty may have it gratis and speedier than any provision can be made in England.” [Margin : Caron is sent for. Sir Fra. Vere is here.] (10.) Three pinnaces to be sent to discover the Spanish fleet; one to the Rock, another to Cape Finisterre and Cape Prior, and the third to lie betwixt Silly and the coast. [Margin; Ordered.]

Endorsed :—“Things ordered by the Council, '96.”

3 pp. (39. 76.)

Samuel Symkroft to Mr. Thos. Arundel.

1596.

[The top portion of the letter has been cut off.] . . . All we had (our rapiers only excepted) was lost. Her Majesty wrote very sharply in the beginning of her letter against your lordship, that you were only a gentleman and your father but a knight, and it were very unfitting you should take place before him; and in especial, the nobles of the realm would take it altogether evil that a man of meaner parentage should take place before them, neither was this any common honour, therefore seemeth strange both to herself and Council; and it must be that his Majesty [the Emperor] hath supposed you to be some man of greater worth than you are. In regard whereof, and for avoiding of further inconveniences which happily might grow among the nobility, she had under a “coller” commanded you to prison for some time; and withal besought his Majesty you might want that honour, for otherwise further troubles might grow. The Emperor his letters, in better words than I can express, imported this much, that as he was by your lordship very well persuaded of her Majesty, and supposed now all that had been spoken of her to be but lies; therefore, even as she meant to continue this his good liking towards her, so he wished her again and again that you might not only hold that honour you had received (which he thought insufficient in regard of your desert), but also for his sake that she would deal graciously with you. And where it seemed to her and the Council strange that you should be graced with such title, he answered it was unto him not strange, neither needed they look [to] the records of other countries, for that it was with them a thing most common to give titles of as great honour to them which deserved it; and neither did he anything inconsiderately, nor without good intelligence what your lordship was, both by her Majesty's letters, wherein she commended you for her near kinsman and of her own blood, a copy of the which he had sent her, but also by others. . . . think it not good to be seen with your lordship before the next spring, for that the Lord Willoughby, Mr. Evers and others who suspected my being there saw me, and I gave it out to all men that I was going for Italy. Wherefore I think it best to go into the country to my friends, and lie close this winter, for if it be known I am in the country, it may hap bring you
into trouble and myself both. I refer myself to your good lordship's wise consideration. Barvisious doubted not but all should go well with you, but if any further matter fall, he would have you write to the Emperor himself, and commend your cause unto him. Truly Baron Rumsse (?) and Barvisious dealt most effectually for your lordship, and have them commended with all other your good friends. The letter you wrote to Mr. Tilley they could by no means get from him; he had special command to send it back, as he said, if he were not [sic],—This present Thursday.

Addressed :—“To the right honourable his very good lord Thomas Arundel, Earl of the Empire, deliver these.”

Endorsed by Cecil :—“1596. This letter also was found in Mr. Thomas Arundel's hose and brought by Mr. Wade to the Earl of Essex, the Lord Admiral, and the Secretary the 21 April, '97.”

Holograph. 2 pp. (47. 68.)

Sir Matthew Arundel to Mr. John Budden, feodary of Dorset.

1596.

I would you (knowing my state better than myself, do not answer Mr. Ashley's impossible demands for his land of St. Giles, which you know I cannot deal in without sale of Sock to Mr. Phillips, and know neither what he will give nor when he will pay, and for interest I am too “weery” to be deeper plunged. Mr. Ashley's need will ask no long tarrying, and his rate with my valuation hath no affinity, wherefore tell Sir Harry Barkeley I much thank him for his kindness, and desire much he should be my neighbour in that place. Now touching the 100l. I was content you should take up for my son, upon ten of the 100, whereof I wished a stay (his too, too many unkindnesses considered) I am charitably to pray your delivery of it to his hands, protesting it shall be the last unless he alter much from his unnaturalness, ever despising me and my poor advice in all things, as you know so well. I will pray to God for his amendment, and wish with my heart that he wholly cleaved to the counsel only of Mr. Secretary and my lord Harry, whose mind I so well know as they will advise the best, however his grace be to accept it : that he seek solely and wholly to please her Majesty, which is the true touch for every good English subject, and reckon more to be her vassal (to her liking) than Earl to an Emperor with her dislike, I know will be ever both their counsel and upon my blessing. I pray you heartily that John may buy for me a dozen good muskets with their furniture. I thought (for my debt as you know) to have sojourned a year, but this burly will here stay me at Shasbery [Shaftesbury] my poor home.

Holograph. Seal. 1 p. (47. 69.)

Mr. Lucas, Preacher At St. Paul's.

[1596.]

“The names of those that do accept of Mr. Lucas his preaching at Paul's, or ehe he to give forty pounds a year to maintain a preacher there.”

A list of 103 names, commencing with Thomas Dyve, John Myghton, Thomas Abbys, and William Willson, aldermen; Robert Lynford, B.D. and now master of St. John's Hospital [Bedford]; Martin Lynford, parson of St. Peter's, William Foxcroft, parson of St. Cuthbert's, and Edward Noke, vicar of Paul's.

Some of the names are the same as those subscribed to the succeeding letter; the handwriting is also the same.

1 ½ pp. (47. 77.)

The Parishioners of St. John's, Bedford, to the Earl Of Essex.

[1596.]

Whereas we of the parish of St. Johns in Bedford do understand that there is some controversy between your chaplain Mr. Lucas and Mr. Gilby for our hospital and parish church of St. John's; forasmuch as we have heard and do know Mr. Lucas to be a good teacher, we do desire you that he may be the master of the said hospital and parson there, hoping that he will be a meet man for the place.

Sixteen signatures attached. 1 p. (47. 78.)

Dr. Robert Bennett, Dean of Windsor, to the Quren.

1596.

Your Majesty's letters requiring a grant of a lease of the parsonage of Husborne your most humble subject and servant receiveth with all loyal regard and most thankful acknowledgment of your high and princely favours towards him, and with all submission of myself and whole condition at the feet of your Majesty. Howbeit, if so poor a subject upon his knees may treat with his most gracious sovereign for pardon in this case, I tender these my plaints to your piety and most compassionate regard. I cannot by the laws demise the lease as yet, neither by the local statutes for more years than one and twenty, unto which statutes I am straitly tied. I have bound myself in covenant to grant it (when I may by law) unto one Oxenbridge, dwelling upon the place, and out of whose lands the tithes do arise, if at such time I continued master there; out of whose power I know not how to discharge myself. It tendeth to the ruin of the hospital, which hath continued since the Conquest, and which in conscience I am bounden to preserve, for that it ministereth yearly the one half of our provision, even an hundred quarters of corn, wherewith threescore poor are continually relieved, besides an infinite number of foreign poor. Of which provision at your Majesty's assignees' hands we shall stand uncertain by reason counterpaines are seldom sealed from your Majesty, neither lieth against your Majesty any distress, forfeiture or reentry, so the poor may want their rent (as we find in like case by woeful experience in Windsor), or long seek it by petition only; and so I shall bring the displeasure of God and curse of the poor upon me. I have done your Majesty service in your Commission Ecclesiastical in those parts, and suffered there some violent oppressions, and to redeem my peace I have cast myself into debt, whereof I shall not be relieved otherwise than by letting this to the highest rate. This only lease I have preserved, not for any child (which I never had) nor any friend, but for the only hope I had out of that only living to recover my debt, and do some good to the poor and ruinate hospital which hath so long relieved me. This your college wherein I am by your singular favour placed is more like to fall to ruin than work my supply. What I have or may attain is with sacred vow dedicated to your service. I labour in my function with all my power, I expend in hospitality to the highest point of my value; the better strength your Majesty vouchsafeth me, the more abundant shall my service be. These things, as most humble suppliant, I present unto your sacred hands and eyes to treat your princely pardon and compassion towards me.

Endorsed. Holograph. 1 p. (47. 80.)

1596.

A reply to “the reasons [here recited] of Dr. Bennett, why he cannot, or rather, will not yield to her Majesty's letters for the parsonage of Husborne.”

(1.) There is no more desired than he may, or by the laws of this realm and her Majesty's prerogative shall be found in his power to do.

(2.) His promise is against law because the statute maketh such bands and promises void; and against conscience, because he hath promised it to a stranger over the old tenant's head.

(3.) For that which tendeth to the ruin of the hospital, there is nothing desired but upon good security for all payments of corn or other rent, and he seemeth much to want good manners that will disable her Majesty for any fit tenant to college or church; and as for the poor, whereof he seemeth to have care, that place doth cry out that he hath abated many of the foreigns and made the ordinaries his own servants, as butlers, cooks, gardeners, &c.; which were more fit for her Majesty's poor maimed soldiers; to say nothing of his turning out a whole choir of singing men, which were allowed in his predecessors' times for the service of God.

(4.) For the fourth, it is likely that he reserveth it, as he hath done all the other leases, to his private gain; for that which he speaketh of his debts is a manifest untruth, especially by any service of her Majesty. Indeed he hath provided his wife a jointure of 80l. a year in one lease of a parsonage demised to Sir John Seymour, and hath let another lease to a brother of his, but, as it is thought, to his own use. It only goeth against his conscience to grant a lease to her Majesty, who hath given him (who never was her servant by bill assigned) that hospital, a prebend in Winchester, and the Deanery of Windsor.

1 p. (47. 79.)

Army.

1596.

“The parcels of armour and weapons lost [by the soldiers levied in Middlesex] in the last expedition pretended for Calleis.”

“A note of such armour as was found wanting and not redelivered by the captains who had charge of the soldiers set forth by the City in the late service intended for Callaies.” Against the captains' names are the numbers of coats, swords, headpieces, &c., wanting from their companies.

Also, “Recovered by search made in Kent by warrant granted by your lordships the parcels following.”

Endorsed :—“1596. A note of arms lost of the companies levied in London for Callis.”

(2.) (On the back). “A view of horsemen and footmen taken for the Middle Marches made by Captain Westroppe at the commandment of
the Earl of Huntingdon, given to Hen. Withrington and Anthony Hutton.” Total; horses allowed, 175, whereof 30 wanting petronells; horses disallowed, 795.—1595, Dec.

1. Because under him many armours were lost at the time of the camp held at Tilbury, without any due recompence unto the poor townships, which still complain for the same.

2. At a day appointed for the mustering of the trained companies, Mr. Gibbes came not. whereupon the commissioners attending the service to appointed Mr. B. Hales in his room, &c.

3. Mr. Gibbes did dry beat an ancient gentleman of the shire who long served as foreman of the grand jury.

(47. 102.)

Trainbands in Devon.

[1596].

“Reasons alleged by Mr. Cary why Mr. Champernowne cannot be a Colonel, neither raise a third regiment in the south division [of Devon].”

1. There are in each of the three divisions of Devon but two colonels, long since appointed by your lordships. To raise a third in the south division would be over burthensome to that part and disorder all the rest of the forces, which are now reduced into bands under several captains, appointed to repair to the places of descent and how each shall relieve and back the other, as occasion shall require.

2. Mr. Champernowne was appointed a deputy lieutenant within this quarter of this year upon the death of Sir Francis Drake [in Nov. 1595] who [neither] had, nor made suit for, any regiment or band of men.

3. It is alleged by Mr. Champernowne that the south division hath more parishes than the east or north and therefore there will be men sufficient to raise a third regiment there. There are a great number of maritime parishes full of mariners, and there are also in the same the four courts of the Stannaries; so that if the “mannred” of the mariners belonging to the Lord Admiral and the jurisdiction of the Stannaries appertaining to Sir Walter Raleigh be deducted, with which we may not inter-meddle, then is there less possibility to raise any more men in the south division than in the other two.

4. Mr. Champernowne desires to have certain hundreds now under Mr. Seymour's charge, and Mr. Seymour to have Haytor hundred which is under my charge; which is not convenient. For I dweil in the midst of Haytor hundred hard adjoinaut on Torbay, a principal place of descent
and very dangerous, the charge whereof your lordships have appointed unto me, and to have its forces as well trained as untrained for the better defence thereof. And in that hundred only do I raise my particular band of 250.

1 p. (47. 115.)

The Queen.

[1596 ?].

“Cases already adjudged for her sacred Majesty.”

Englefield's case

1,000l. per annum.

Shelley's case

1,000l. per annum.

Dacre's case

2,000l. marks per annum.

Sir John Perrott's case

800l. per annum.

Alton's wood

10,000l.

The case of the Isle of Man

500l. per annum.

The Lord Darcy's case that claimed liberties to be discharged of purveyance, which greatly concerned your Majesty in the provision of your honourable household :—

Sir John Perrott's case for the manor of Osterlow, 300 marks per annum.

My Lord of Southampton's case for the inheritance of all his lands, 2,000 marks per annum.

Mr. Littleton's lands, 1,000l. per annum.

The case against unreasonable perpetuities and uses.

Windam's case, 700l. per annum in reversion.

The overthrow of patents of concealments and reducing those titles to compositions to the great liking of your subjects, whereby your Majesty hath already received above 10,000l.

The case concerning the deceit of auditors.

The case of sojourners in London that claim to be discharged of prisage—not adjudged.

1 p. (47. 117.)

County Business.

1596.

A paper advising the person addressed “to get of her Majesty the keeping of the county books of and in every shire, the calling of all exigentes and proclamations and return of the same, the keeping of all county courts and hundred courts and the trial of all actions in them, the bailiwick of all hundreds, and the breaking up of the Green Wax, to give her Majesty a small rent for it.”

The writer states that each of these things has been partly granted before, that it will be a great boon to all the Queen's subjects (who are wronged, he shows, by the negligence and malice of sheriffs or their officers) and will be a hindrance to none but the sheriff or undersheriff for the time being; he concludes,—“Though your lordship should be abridged of some part, yet may the grant of the rest be very beneficial; but if you can get all I dare warrant your estate better than ever. It may be that the Green Wax will not be granted in general, yet leave it not if you may have the rest.”

Endorsed by Cecil :—“Mr. Clanye (?), 1596.”

2 pp. (48. 4.)

Sir Herbert Croft to the Earl of Essex.

1596.

Since he last made suit to Essex, on behalf of his brother, that brother has come over; which rather disconcerts the writer, who trusted to Essex's promise to give him a place at his (Essex's) coming into Ireland, and feels the disgrace of having failed to get him what others of less merit obtained. To make himself more efficient he was content (contrary to the writer's liking) to serve under a private captain, and has bestowed, at sundry times, two years in the Low Countries. He was with Sir Thomas Baskervyle before Amiens and only came home because of desperate sickness. Finding the Low Country wars but slack this last year he went to Ireland, and has been there until now; whence he has come over presuming on the writer's credit to get him the leading of a company. Begs him to bestow one upon him.

Endorsed :—“1596, Sir Herbert Croft to my lord.

Holograph. 1 p. (48. 7.)

P. Lord Dunsany to Sir John Stanhope.

1596.

I learnt this morning out of Norfolk that one Oxborroghe, a justice of peace, examined the cause ex officio without my witnesses, “and yet found enough to prove my assertions true :” With higher authority, “having Mr. Secretary's letter and his commandment for the party,” it will assuredly be found wilful murder, which will both advantage the Queen more and give greater scope for her clemency. Urges him to be diligent.

Endorsed :—1596.

Holograph. 1 p. (48. 11.)

— to —

1596.

“Sir, I have sent you hereinclosed a copy of my lord Chief Justice's letter to the justices.” Asks him to get it accompanied with another from Mr. Secretary, with the addition that Her Majesty, hearing that the matter is very heinous, would have the truth bolted out to the uttermost. Begs to know soon what to expect. “I fear our principal justicers will be slack except you second the cause with some higher authority.”—Not signed.

Endorsed :—“1596. My lord Chief Justice touching the killing of Thomas Watson in the county of Norfolk by Thomas Thirsbye.”

In Lord Dunsany's hand. 1 p. (48. 5.)

P. Lord Dunsany to Sir John Stanhope.

1596.

“Sir, it imports us much to have Mr. Secretary's letter to th'effect of these which my lord Chief Justice wrote, only added thereunto that her Majesty is made acquainted with the heinousness of the fact; for the Queen's name is a mighty bond to tie men to do their duty and devoure. Moreover, if there were a commandment by a pursuivant sent for Thomas Thyrsby himself by Mr. Secretary his absence would give the readier passage to all our proceedings there.” Urges haste : fears only the Chief Justice's and Mr. Attorney's slackness.

Endorsed :—1596.

Holograph. 1 p. (48. 12.)

The Queen to —–.

1596.

Hearing that he has been sick of late, sends Henry Midlemore, a groom of her Privy Chamber, to enquire of his welfare, and “to declare unto you our earnest good will and special favour we bear you for your most faithful service always done to us, and specially in the discharge of the trust and charge committed to you.”

Endorsed :—1596; and by Cecil; read. Begins :—“Right trusty and right well beloved cousin and counsellor.”

Corrected draft. 1 p. (48. 14.)

Lord Eure to Sir Robert Cecil, Chief Secretary.

1596.

Asking whether (as Cecil promised) he may tell the merchants of whom he takes up 1,000l. at Stoade to write to their factors to obtain repayment from Cecil.

Signed :—Ra. Eure.

Endorsed :—1596.

1 p. (48. 15.)

Sir Geoffrey Fenton, Secretary of State in Ireland.

[1596.]

A petition [to the Council] presented on behalf of Sir Geoffrey Fenton, secretary of state in Ireland, headed :—“A note of my master's petitions concerning his offices of secretary and surveyor, &c.”

The Queen in her special instruction dated Greenwich, 26 Feb. 1585, [in the margin are further details of this] appointed that her chief secretary in Ireland should have the making of all bills, warrants, and other writings to pass the signature of the lord Deputy or other head governor there; but this is usurped from him by the deputies “countenancing” their private secretaries. Suggests words which he begs may be added to the instruction, to remedy this abuse. Desires to have rooms in Dublin Castle which have lain vacant since Mr. Auditor Jennyson died (save for a little space when Brian Fitzwilliam lodged in them) for the storing of the records of the surveyorship which cannot be safely kept in a private house and were in his predecessors' times injured and embezzled. [Margin :—“The L. Treasurer's or your Honours' letter effectually written to the new lord Deputy will suffice for this, specially if this clause be inserted, 'Notwithstanding any other man's pretence or challenge to the same'”] Requests “your honours' effectual letter” to Sir William Fitzwilliam to pay him a debt of 60l. incurred upon the rent of Dunboyne and which Robert Napper, chief baron there, being now here, who had the examination of the cause in Ireland, can certify. And since he cannot have the fee farm of the parsonage of Dunboyne, owing to “the crossness of the proceedings in Ireland wherein he was made a commissioner,” he begs that, in return for his long and hard service (and that he may not die in debt and leave his wife and children destitute), he may have the custodiam of that parsonage, which was so injuriously taken from him. [Margin :—The custodiam is ready to be seen, which was granted unto him in very ample sort, and yet, in the time of his attendance last at Court, the same wrongfully taken from him by the late Lord Deputy.”]

With some additions in the same hand in the margin.

Endorsed by Sir Robert Cecil as “read.”

3 pp. (48. 19.)

2. Copy of the Queen's instruction dated Greenwich 26 Feb. 1585, directing that the Privy Signet shall remain in custody of the Secretary of State.

Signed by Sir Giles Fenton, 26 Feb. 1596.

Enclosed in the preceding.

1 p.

Guernsey.

1596.

A statement of accounts of the island of Guernsey, as follows :—

Revenues, according to the book of accounts that now is, 656l. 11s. 9d. whereof :—paid to 14 soldiers in Castle Cornet at 6d. a day, 127l. 15s.; the lieutenant's pay, 66l. 13s. 4d.; receiver's, porter's and master gunner's, 20l. each; bell watch, 10l.; two boatmen, 20l.; officers' wages of the islands with the charges of the court, 42l. 6s.; twenty serving men extraordinary for the better guarding of the castle, at 10l. each, 200l.; total payments 536l. 14s. 4d.

“So there remaineth for the governor towards his expenses, per annum, but” 119l. 17s. 5d.

Endorsed :—1596.

1 p. (48. 26.)

Guernsey.

[1596?]

“Demands,” addressed to the Council, of Sir Thomas Leighton, for the castle and isle of Guernsey.

(1.) Considering the great preparations in Spain, to have 300 soldiers “sent hither by the beginning of the month of May and to remain all the summer, and victuals for them.” (2.) To have 50 soldiers allowed to reinforce the garrison permanently. (3.) To appoint a staple of victuals in the castle for the 300 soldiers for six months. (4.) To licence the inhabitants to import, at their own charge, two demiculverins and 6 sakers of cast iron. (5.) To have a sufficient serjeant major appointed to train the inhabitants being about 800 fighting men.

1 p. (48. 27.)

Sir Robert Jermyn to [the Lord Treasurer].

[1596.]

Apologises for troubling his Lordship amid the multitude of his State affairs. Perceives that he will charge their “inland parts” with a contribution. The suit of the country is that it may not exceed 400l., or if it do, that the town of Ipswich may be joined in it. Essex, a larger and richer county than Suffolk, yields but 230l. towards two ships better appointed than those of Ipswich, and Norfolk has as yet paid nothing. Four of Ipswich receiving some loss near Spain, obtained your Lordship's letter of marque, and for their own profit manned two ships at their own charge, but now for the public service the whole town cannot man a bark and a hoy, and, as he hears, has taxed the other port towns of Suffolk more than 300l. towards it. Ipswich is one of the richest ports of England, and has a corporation standing of 12 and 24, all men of wealth, who lay this burden upon the gentlemen that sojourn there for a while, and upon the mechanical sort, and spare themselves. Their inland parts with the other ports “were that very year at 3,000l. charge, whereof Ipswich bare no part nor penny.” Ipswich has dealt very unneighbourly by ingrossing corn “these dear years” and sending it away, because the poor cannot pay the price for it. The justices of peace in Suffolk bear them no favour, and at the
assizes, where this matter was discussed, one of them said that if the country would not yield to their full demand they would find means to compel them.

Holograph. 2 pp. (48. 29.)

Indulgences.

[1596 ?]

“Indulgences granted by his Holiness to the things underwritten, at the instance of the English College.”

“1. Having any of these grains wheresoever, you shall gain all the indulgences granted unto the society of the Most Blessed Trinity of the City, if you shall do that which is commanded by the said society. But the indulgences hereafter rehearsed they only shall gain which dedicate themselves to the restoration of the Faith in England, or any way do labour for that cause, or do pray for England.

“2. Whosoever shall have one of these blessed grains and shall be contrite, with at least a purpose of confessing and communicating as soon as conveniently he may, and shall say a crown or a rosary, or shall read Christ's passion or the 7 psalms or the Litanies, praying for his Holiness, or for the state of the Church Catholique, or for th' increase of Faith, or for the conversion of the kingdoms of England, Ireland or Scotland and of all heretics, shall, so often as he shall do these (or any of these), gain a plenary indulgence.

“3. Whosoever he be that is confessed and shall communicate” on the feast of the Trinity, Pentecost, &c., and of the English Saints, or saints whose relics or churches are in that place, or on all Sundays of the year, “shall gain a plenary indulgence to himself or to some one of the faithful deceased, if he shall offer it for that one in way of suffrage (or voice).”

“4. So often as he shall confess his faults before an approved confessor, or contrite or with a purpose of confessing shall devoutly hear mass or a sermon, or shall examine his own conscience, or shall teach the Christian doctrine in whole or in part, or shall endeavour to reconcile those that are at variance, or any man to piety, and shall do what he may to bring men to works of charity either by his counsel or example, or shall strive to bring either himself or others from the profane communion of heretics persuading that the Catholique religion is that that is to be embraced, he shall gain all the indulgences of St. Mary of Lawrettoe, St. Mary Majore, and St. John Laterane.”

5. Whosoever having one of these grains shall devoutly fast all the vigils of the Blessed Virgin shall gain 100 years' indulgence, and if he do it “on bread and drink only” shall gain 1,000.

6. By saying of a crown or rosary, or the 7 psalms or litanies, for the conversion of heretics in the Advent, Lent or other days in the which “stacons.” [in § 2 a blank space is left for the word] are at Rome, he shall receive the indulgences of those 'stacons' as well as if he had visited the same Churches.”

7. “He that shall bring any man to detest the life that he hath led or any enormous crime committed, especially of heresy, schism or blasphemy, shall gain a thousand years' indulgence.”

8–15. Eight other numbered paragraphs explaining similar indulgences for the performance of similar religious exercises “devoutly before God or some altar or image” saying mass, &c.; praying for the dead; contrition in the hour of death; praying for his Holiness or propagation of the Faith or conversion of heretics; doing reverence before images; mental prayer, and penance; suffering torture or imprisonment and praying for his persecutors; if one of the grains be lost he that had it may supply its place with an unconsecrated grain, and in
places where there is great punishment of the bearers of such things, he that has had such a grain may chose some pearl or “currole” or some little stone or bead or little cross, “or the image of a saint or a death's head of bone, metal, or wood” so often as he shall have need.

“1. He which hath a blessed crucifix or medal, so often as he shall behold or kiss the same he shall gain a hundred days of indulgence.

“2. He that celebrateth or causeth to be celebrated every Friday upon an altar upon which is such a crucifix or medal, he shall free a soul from Purgatory. And the same on All Souls' Day and every day of the octaves thereof.

“3. It shall be lawful also in their place to choose unto yourself any other things after the manner above written.”

3 pp. On the back in a contemporary hand. “Je me mieurs je recommende mon esprit à son Dieu.”

A list of captains [suitors for employment ?], viz.:—Captain John Davies. Peter Wier (?). John Brockesbury, Rookewood. William Williams. Mr. Boulton, your lordship's servant, commended by Sir Richard Bingham. Moris Osborner. Saintbarbe, commended very earnestly by my lady Walsingham and commended by Sir Richard Bingham for a company of horse. Bingley. Mr. Fisher, commended by the Countess of Cumberland. Garrett Dillon. Godfrey Garett, commended by Mr. Fra. Bacon. Thomas Harcomertt. Kemyshe. Crompton. Rowe. John Morgan who is now in Ireland and was commended by Sir Wm. Russell. Rane. Higham (cancelled). Wayneman, commended by Mr. Tasebrough. Francis Russhe, is a suitor to have his company increased; your lordship wrote for him but your letters prevailed not. Cuny and J. Pooly have the like suit. Zouch, recommended by the lord Bray. Mr. Stafford, son to Sir Ed. Stafford and commended by him. Coterell, Trevor and Dutton, commended by the lord admiral. Torbock, of Lanc., commended by Sir Thos. Gerrard. Savile, of Leic., by Sir Edw. and Sir Fr. Hastings. White. Horwell commended by Sir Wm. Russell, the lady Warwick, Mr. Grevile. Poole, desires to have the conduct of the companies for Connaught. Mr. Jones, the lord keeper's man that bears the purse, desires that Mr. Houghton may have the conduct of some of the rest. Lowman of the West Country commended by Sir Rob. Sidney. Each name prefaced by the word “Captain.”

Apparently jottings made at different times.

1 p. (48. 35.)

Thomas Keylwey to Lord Buckhurst.

1596.

“To dying men, my good lord, there is neither person or thing to be preferred before the discharge of man's conscience, in respect of which I am moved to write these few lines to your lordship, signifying the course of some dealing that hath happened, which I do perceiving your Lordship's late proceedings by obscure ways never moving questions to me of any matters whereby I might take occasion to have discovered you the case and truth or to defend myself, which of myself was not meet to be done considering the persons whom I then should have discovered to have been the beginners whom respects unmoved by your Lordships might have forbidden me to speak of. But true it is out of wrongs done to the lady Dacres and me became I to wronged Ann Ryvott now the lady Winsor, and the lady Walgrave did the like to free her daughter, and then by wrong to the lady Dacres did I the like to free myself, a practice begun by my father and sisters and afterwards used (yoused) and entered into by others to be named to separate the friendship between the lady Dacres and me, and to deprive us both thereby of our lives and livings. My father after he had got his youngest daughter with child, and murdered both the child and the nurse, with
many others more, making one Thorpe an instrument of his in that matter, he was afterward so practised upon by others that took advantage herein of him as he always was at contention with me, seeking to wrest me out of my inheritance to make amends with his daughter for his fault, and to stop the mouth of such as had taken his daughter from him, and practised upon him. Whereupon he thinking my ability by the lady Dacres was bettered to defend myself, he practised as well by himself as by his letters, some of which I have, to break the good opinion between the lady Dacres and me, as also did use the like practice with all other of my friends to leave me friendless to bring his foresaid practice to pass, which in long time not being able to perform, he practised sundry other ways to murder me, and finding the same both dangerous to himself and hard to be performed, he hath given himself to the beginning of this wicked witcheries 'sociatts' [associated?] with others, by that ways to accomplish the same upon me, of which I was long before warned of by my dead mother, and of his conversements and questions in the night, with other unlawful things. This much I write to discharge my dying conscience, sorrowing your Lordship's dark and contrary meaning questions and by ways deceiving me beyond my understanding, making my offence and doings contrary to my meaning to be burdensome to my own soul in offence to others, and true it is, unsent for, some xvij years since or more there came unto me in a pining sickness one Knott from Sir Henry Knevytt, who had given him physic, and who came unto me from him and gave me physic, and after some time of resorting unto me, he told me I was ill used and the lady Dacres was carried from me by ill practice, and that I could hardly ever after have her favour again, and I making small reckoning of his speeches passed them over and told him I would go a wooing, and he then answered me if I would have her what I should do and he would warrant I should have her, and when I came thither I found such a show in her, and such a course taken by my lady Walgrave as I found was unnatural and not well in my own conceit, so as I left it and came thither no more.”

[The writer continues in the like frenzied strain at great length (the above is perhaps a third of the whole) in the course of which he mentions a Captain Malby who recommended him to one Deane, who brought him a letter and a bottle from one Elizabeth Godart]. Foretold his imprisonment. An honest man “is hardly used that hath the Devil taken for a good witness against him.” Concluded that his father and Mrs. Godart were both conspiring against him and at times feared the Queen might be in danger. Asks that these letters be shown to the lord Treasurer. Like witcheries are now practised upon his aunt Horsey, “so as if things may pass in hugger mugger and they be suffered, they will destroy the Queen's subjects and accuse and excuse whom they list.” Advises him to look to himself, “for I verily conjecture they mean to make a practice upon your honour.”

Endorsed :—“1596. Mr. Kilway to the lord Buckhurst.”

Holograph. 3 pp. (48. 38.)

Mayoralty of London.

1596.

A list of sixteen aldermen and commoners of London who of late years have been discharged from holding office as mayors or sheriffs of London; concluding that if the mayor and bench could discharge so many, “why should they so much grudge that your Majesty should discharge one man from being mayor only, for your service sake; for
though the choice be granted unto them by their charter, yet to allow or disallow of their choice resteth in your Majesty.”

Endorsed :—1596.

1 p. (48. 41.)

Town of Plymouth.

1596.

Petition of the mayor and inhabitants of Plymouth to the lords of the Council, in the matter now in question between the town and Sir Ferdinando Gorges, captain of the fort there, viz.:—

For a decision upon Gorges' refusal to allow the soldiers to be arrested by the town officers for felonies or debt. That Gorges be forbidden to meddle with the liberties of the town. A while since, Gorges caused John Hele, deputy town clerk, coming to him on a message from the mayor, to be imprested “to serve at the Island”: desire an order for his discharge and that Gorges may not in future imprest townsmen. To be relieved from the charge of lodging the soldiers, which they undertook because of the urgency of the service to the whole country, and which has already cost them 120l. That the mayor and expert men of the town may continue to have the mustering of the townsmen, as allowed by Stat. 4 and 5 Ph. and Mary, Cap. 3, and that Gorges may not assume the mustering and leading of them.

Endorsed :—1596.

2 pp. (48. 44.)

Recusants, etc.

1596.

“A note of the orders taken with certain prisoners and examinates.

“Dorrell, Esquire :—To be proceeded with upon the branch of the Stat. of 27$dG touching the sending over children beyond the seas.

“Carye, Esquire :—To be proceeded with upon the Stat. of 23$dG for hearing of mass.

“D. Fryar :—Service expected at his hands for the discovery of Garnett.

“Mr. Slegge :—Bound over to the Star Chamber, but no strong ground of matter against him.

“Mr. Arundell :—Restrained formerly but not sent up, nor examined upon the entertainment of Charnock, the priest, who wears his livery.

“Peacock, Walker, Woodfall, Cooke, Duckett :—Bound over to the sessions with special order that if no indictment be preferred yet they be not acquitt but bound over to the High Commission.

“Jennings of Dunmow :—Not yet come up.

“Clarke of Dunmowe :—Not yet examined, being very lately sent up.

“Mrs. Whitney near Croydon :—Lately come up and therefore not yet examined.

“Michael Thompson :—Qu. Whether he be to be proceeded with in the Star Chamber ore tenus upon his confession of the practise to retract his testimony?

“Gerrard Swift :—Certified to their Lordships.

“William Thompson alias Ermesbie :—Qu. Whether to be proceeded with upon the point of reconcilement or adhering to the Queen's enemies? Use made of him already for the discovery of a great number of priests come lately into this realm and the places whither they use : but in no case to be enlarged.

“James Boyle :—To be thoroughly examined of the 3 priests that came last from Rome, and otherwise, because he seemeth to be a great conveyer both of priests and youths beyond the seas.

“Memorandum. The prisons appear to be very corrupt, and specially the Clinck. Qu. of some proceeding against Shepheard or at the least his displacing?

“Stanwardin Passies case to be favoured because of his voluntary information.”

Endorsed :—1596. (48. 46.)

Penelope, Lady Ryche to Secretary Cecil.

1596.

Thanks for his kindness. Is glad of her brother's safe return. Would be glad to hear how his service is accepted in Court for already there are some who out of envy seek to detract from it. Will tell what she knows of this matter when she sees Cecil.

P.S.—“I would fain know what will become of my uncle W. Knowles, who is very much bound to you, and shall be more, if nobility descend not in tide for a treasurership, as it is thought it will to-morrow.

Endorsed :—1596.

Holograph. (48. 49.)

John Tayllour to —.

1596.

Notifying to his “Lordship” that “the office beareth the name of the bailiff of Sandwiche,” and giving the duties and emoluments of that office.

Endorsed :—1596.

Holograph. 1 p. (48. 58.)

Expedition to Cadiz.

1596.

“Likelihoods” that the Corredidor or Pagador had “been in that room or place where the treasure was hidden,” and had taken some of the treasure that is missing :—

“First, I found the door open and unlocked when the lady came with the merchant of Cherris (Xeres) to show and give me that treasure, the door being a door that did open in the midst, as warehouses' doors in London do open, and a bar of iron to go overthwart the door and to be locked with a padlock hang lock. And it is not like that they that had the charge of that treasure would let in (sic) lie in a place unlocked, where so many Spaniards were as I did see within that castle, any of whom might easily come to that treasure if the door were open, and take what they list in the night.”

We found the trunk open. The Corredidor, when he and the twelve Spaniards, with the merchant of Cherris, came into the house, would have taken the trunk away if I had not resisted. The iron chest was so fast locked and so large and yet not full, but would have held 2,000 pounds more in florins, much more in gold. If the Corredidor say there was gold among the treasure; most likely he or the Pagador took it, and would have taken the rest but that we did take the castle so suddenly. The Pagador confessed to Sir Arthur Savaydge that he took some of the treasure out to pay the men, the day before the place was taken. We found dollars lying loose and coffers and bags open and empty.

Notes at the head :—“To ask the Corredidor his wife's name. Remember to show the Corredidor his wife's hand. To prove that he knew of all the treasure as she.”

Endorsed :—“1596. Toplyf.”

2 pp. (48. 59.)

Godmanchester Rectory.

[1596.]

Reasons why the Dean and Chapter of Westminster cannot grant a lease in reversion of the rectory impropriate of Godmanchester to Mrs. Hide; to be submitted to the Queen.

The impaired state of the College by the great charge of redeeming a lease for provision of corn towards the hospitality of the college, and the building a school for her Majesty's scholars at Cheswicke in time of infection, costing 800l.

The allowances made at the beginning of the reign to the singing men in the quire, scholars and servants, being insufficient to maintain them have had to be increased to 250l. a year; and there must be a new supply presently, or else they will be destitute of fit and hable singing men.

The constant necessary repair of the fabric of the church and college houses, amounting sometimes to 200l. at the least.

The maintenance of daily hospitality; now grown so great as that it cannot be continued without further present provision.

The only means to supply these charges, the best things of their church having been demised before her Majesty's reign for 99 years, is to turn smaller leases as they expire to the benefit of the College.

The present farmer of the rectory, besides his fourteen years yet to run, hath long laboured to renew his lease to the term of twenty-one years upon good conditions.

They may not presume to allege that the Statutes of the Realm do not allow the letting of a lease in reversion until the old be within three years of expiring.

The oath taken by the Dean and every prebendary on admission to keep all the statutes of the College; among which is one penned by Mr. D. Byll in the year of the new erection of this her Majesty's College, 1560, that no reversion be made of any lease more than three years before the expiration.

Endorsed :—1596.

1 ½ pp. (37. 106.)

Spanish Intelligences.

[1596.]

Certain brief notes gathered out of divers Spanish letters which were sent from the Havannah in June and July last unto sundry parts of the Indies in a small pinnace of advizo, which was taken by an English man-of-war.

By a ship of advizo, sent from Spain 13 May 1595, and arrived in the Havannah 20 June, with the King's letters, giving them to understand that the ships with the silver were arrived, saving the ship of Sancho Pardo which was admiral of the fleet of Tierra Firma, which ship with two others was driven to Puerto Rico with extremity of weather, the said ships being very much spoiled. From thence the captain sent a frigate to the Havannah to give advice of their arrival there, and also to certify the governor that they had landed the treasure and put the same in safety. The governor, upon this intelligence, sent order to the captain not to depart from thence till such time as he had direction from the King. That galleon had in her two millions and a half of treasure; the one for the King, the rest was of particulars.

Don Sebastian de Arancivia, awaiting at the Cape St. Anton with four galleons for certain ships to come from Tierra Firma to the Havannah with treasure, did meet with four English men-of-war and
fought with them : of the which they did take one and the rest fled. The Englishmen that were taken alive are all sent into Spain.

In the first fleet which went from the Havannah for Spain with the greatest part of their treasure, there was lost the galleon of the Adalentado, called St. Martin, and there was saved but only sixteen men of all the people that were in her. There was another galleon lost, called St. Luis, but the silver and people that were in her they had time to take out and passed it into other ships, and they having for-saken her, she sunk down presently. There was cast away other merchants' ships, wherein was lost to the number of 80,000 hides, with store of other commodities. The said fleet before their arrival in Spain was wonderfully separated with extremity of weather, so that there did not enter into St. Lucar and Callez at the most above three or four ships together, whereof some either wanted sails, foremast or mainmast, as by their letters is mentioned.

Of the last fleet which did come from St. John de Lua to the Havannah, there was lost the Viz Admiral upon the coast of Florida; five men were drowned and the rest escaped.

The last fleet which departed out of the Havannah about 8 July, which were to the number of fifty sail, small and great, whereof there were fourteen galleons and pinnaces of Armado, and the rest were merchants' ships. In their letters they made great brag that although all the armies of England should meet them they would not be afraid of them.

In the said fleet they brought not so much treasure as they did expect, by reason that the treasure of Tierra Firma was not come down at the ships being there, so the general of that fleet, having express order from the King not to pass the limited time, was forced to depart without the said treasure.

In the said letters is reported that the Viz Roy of Peru hath sent into Spain forty Englishmen, which were of the company of Mr. Hawkins taken in the South Sea. The Captain's name which did take them is Don Balltran de la Queba.

What time they had intelligence in the Havannah of Sir Francis Drake coming into those parts.

There arrived in the Havannah the beginning of July a pinnace of advizo from St. Lucar by the Duke of Medina, which two days after his departure out of the said port was taken by an English man-of-war, and the captain having conference with the master of the said pinnace, whose name is Vincent Gonsalbes, told him that Sir Francis Drake was ready to depart out of England with fifty sail of ships, in which were six of the Queen's ships, and certain French ships and others of the States of Holland and Zeland, joined together to the number of ninety sail, and that their determination and intent was to take the Havannah and other parts of the Indies. The pinnace having nothing in him but the King's letters, the English man-of-war let him pass; and, upon this intelligence given to the Governor of the Havannah, they made all the preparation that might be, both in providing their castles and otherwise. Also they sent frigates to divers parts of the Indies, giving them to understand of this news, and willing them to prepare themselves to resist Sir Francis Drake, according as they have done, in saying that they hope if he come thither they will give him such a welcome that he should not rejoice of his coming, for that they had store of soldiers, ordnance and other munition to receive him withal.

By the said Vincent Gonsalbes they of the Havannah had the first intelligence of the spoil that Captain Lancaster did in the coast of Brazil with fourteen sail of men-of-war, as he told them, and that the
Portingales had rendered the country like cowards, without any resistance.

A note of advizo from Madrid in Spain the 10 January 1595 and sent to Mexico in the West Indies.

It was determined and decreed to assault the heretics in France by the ways of Flanders, Italy and Brittany, and that all Italy had entered into league with the King of Spain to the same effect, except the Duke of Florence, which refused, for that he married a kinswoman of the French King.

In Spain they are determined to establish an army of seventy great ships, as well for defence of the Indies and the Spanish coast, as also for the safety of the fleets that shall pass to and fro.

A league to be concluded betwixt the Pope and the Christian princes to resist the invasion of the Turk in Hungary; and to the effecting of all these things the Pope sent a cousin of his ambassador to the court of Spain, who arrived at Barcelona 27 December 1594.

An advizo of the death of the old Cardinal of Toledo which at his death left behind him more than a million in money, which is 300,000 pounds sterling. The Spaniards are of judgement by their writing that he had been better to have disposed the same in his lifetime. His bishopric was given to the Cardinal that is in Flanders.

Endorsed :—1596.

Copy. 3 pp. (43. 32.)

King's College, Cambridge.

[1596.]

Drafts of two letters written to Mr. Wootton and Mr. Newton, Fellows of King's College, Cambridge, apparently with regard to a lease of land sought by Mr. Wootton from the Provost. Wootton is advised to use no delays, but either to write to Cecil or come up, as the writer holds some question of the Provost's good meaning to him.

Endorsed :—1596.

2 pp. (136. 53.)

Fr. Amyce to [Sir Robert Cecil].

[1596].

The lordship and manor of Rieslipp, with the park, lying near unto Pinner, within two or three miles of Harrow on the Hill, in the county of Middlesex, parcel of the possessions of King's College, Cambridge, is in the occupation of one Smyth for 8 or 9 years to come for the rent the same hath been letten for without the memory of man, viz. 68l.; and the park is in the occupation of one Mr. Hawtrey for the like term at the ancient rent of 10l. A lease in reversion of the premises is offered to his Honour by Mr. Tredway, one of the ancientest seniors of the College, to show his gratitude for Cecil's favour bestowed on his brother, Mr. Tredway of Northampton. The gentleman hath the greatest part of the seniors and fellows so linked in love towards him as he assured himself they will join their voices with his. Mr. Hawtrey is determined to come on Monday or Tuesday to Cambridge to renew his lease, and the tenant of the lordship is also expected to the like effect. Therefore, if he have a purpose to deal therewith, the opportunity would be taken hold of : a lease of both could easily be obtained.

Undated. (136. 60.)

College of Maidstone.

1596.

“Michael Hennage's note touching the college of Maidstone.” Extracts from grants of 19 and 20 Richard II. and 8 Henry IV.

1 ½ pp. (145. 71.)

French Affairs.

1596.

The King having commanded the Marshal Biron to enter Artois with part of his army to waste it, the Marshal passed the river Authie the 4th of this month, went to lodge the 5th at Frenan on the Canche and ordered Baron de Luz, one of the marshals of the camp, to invest a fort called Bombert on the same river; where he met the Marquis de Harembon, Governor of Artois, with 1,000 or 1,200 horse and a good number of foot, come there to oppose the Marshal. Being advertised of this by De Luz, he proceeded thither, and having reconnoitred the Marquis's forces, determined to give him battle, though the Marshal had with him only 300 or 400 horse including the carbines. The Marquis seeing this, and that the Marshal was coming towards him, commenced to retire, but being pursued and pressed by the Marshal, he was forced to turn round and receive the Marshal's charge, who routed and defeated the Marquis with his cavalry, composed of the undermentioned companies, took prisoner the Marquis, with the Count de Montescou and some six score others, and killed or wounded 400 or 500 more : and but for the favour the enemy received at the passage of the town of St. Paul, not one would have been saved, for the foot having arrived, led by the Sieurs de Scypiere and D'Harancourt, immediately gained the suburbs of the place. The Marshal lost in the fight only his horse which received three lance thrusts at the first charge and two pistol shots at the second, with a sword stroke that sent him to the ground and the Marshal underneath; but being extricated, he rallied immediately with his men, and having remounted pursued the victory up to the place, where he ought to lodge the 7th of this month to continue the devastating—which will be very easy from the fear that this defeat has brought over the country.

Note of the companies that were with the Marquis de Harembon, as well d'ordonnances as light horse, without counting the carbines. The companies d'ordonnance of the Marquis de Harembon, the Marquis de Rantz, Conte de Sores, Conte Roux and the Sieur de Barbançon.

Light horse : the companies of the Conte Montescou, the Baron de Balençon, the Conte Salvin, and of Jehan Jaques de Belle Joyeuses, lances; of the Sieur de Hillaire and Captain Daniel, 100 or 120, cuirassiers with pistols.

The captains who led 200 carbines are not included here; besides this, the Marquis de Harembon says he had 40 gentlemen in his train.

Draft of a warrant to the Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer to forbear process against Thomas Phillips, collector of Petty Customs in the port of London outwards, for recovery of moneys received by him to the Queen's use since Michaelmas 35 Eliz., for one year, during which Phillips shall pay 2,000l. at Hilary term next,
2,000l. at Midsummer, and the residue before the said year expires. Given under Privy Seal—–day of—–, 38 Eliz.

They have heretofore made known the weakness of the town, by want of men, ordnance, shot and other warlike provision, together with their danger, by reason of the enemy's nearness, and perfect knowledge of their harbours : upon consideration of which the Council appointed commissioners to certify the defects. Notwithstanding, the town remains in that weak and dangerous state, and like to be worse, by reason of the fearful minds of divers of the inhabitants, who are ready to depart into other places unless the Council take some order for redress.—Undated.

Endorsed :—“1596.”

½ p. (174. 79.)

Henry Lok to the Queen.

1596.

His services to the Queen, contemning all travail and expense or peril which might oppose itself to his enjoined employment, as in some measure has of late appeared in these last five years of his negociations in Scotland, to the good liking of the Council, and the Queen's gracious allowance and regard. Thereby his ability and estate have been not a little impaired, and his debts increased. Prays for a lease of 50l. a year in reversion for 50 years.—Undated.

Note on reverse, signed by Lord Hunsdon, to Sir Robert Cecil. Has had good experience of Lok's faithful service, and the Queen's intent to do him good. Prays Cecil to recommend his petition.

Endorsed :—1596.

1 p. (174. 80.)

Henry Lok.

[1596].

“Henry Lok's memorial of his suit to your honour” [? Cecil].

Motions which he wishes to be preferred to the Queen for his relief : consisting of various leases in reversion, specified, or a pension of 100l. per annum.—Undated.

½ p. (174. 81.)

Sir Gely Meyricke to—–.

1596.

Being sent by my Lord to London, I desire you to acquaint their honours with this addition to my former certificate. It seemed there should be some cause to charge me with an uncertain sum. In regard that the bags were sealed, but with my own seal at the first until I sent for Sir Arthur Savage's seal, I will prove by oath with witness with me that four of the bags were sealed at one instant, and I thought they had been all so, but when I sent my man for the money and found
one that was not sealed, I was much offended with him, sent him presently to Sir Arthur, willing him to send a man to see the state of the bag and to seal it. He did not send his man but sent his seal, so that now having better thought of it I find that the sixth bag, which they all agreed came thither, never appeared, which both Sir George Carew and Toplyfe says was in a chest. Then that bag must be 550l. This falling foul one of another is strange to me. For Toplyfe, he confessed the taking out of money. He would seem to excuse it as not taking it for the King's money. He affirmed that he told my Lord of it. He also had an Englishman there that interpreted between him and the Corregidor. There was some reason why the Corregidor should offer him 4,000l. to be gone. There was also a foul mistaking in them not to guess at a quantity, to affirm it to be as much more as it was and more. I have nothing to do how they handle it, but desire their lordships to repair that report which her Majesty is possessed with, which is Toplyfe's confession of 5,000l. to be there, and this by their means sought to be laid on me in general terms, as by swearing all the bags that came to their hands I had, which is true if they confess but nine, for I had three in the trunk in the castle, and six bags from Sir Arthur Savage's lodgings, but there was but five that had money, and those confessed by them tied with knots. So that in their own reason there could not be more money in them than I have set down. Which to prove Mr. Chomley will be deposed, who received the bags sealed and was present at the telling, and Sir Anthony Ashley, who I dare trust in this matter. These two points, the sealing of the bags, and the telling of the money and the quantity, I will prove by oath to be as I have set down. Then this is all that is come to the Queen's Majesty. What is become of the rest I leave to intermeddle with.—Undated.

Endorsed :—“1596.”

Holograph. 1 ½ pp. (174. 84).

Chargeable on Sir Gilly Merrick.

[1596].

118l. yet unpaid of the moneys commanded to be restored.

176l. 6s. 4d., with other great sums of the same moneys embezzled and concealed in other ships then taken, whereof there is great presumption. An account to be demanded how the rest of the moneys in question are employed.

His Barbara hides of great value.

His great benefit by buying of silk stocks and other things, all with the same moneys.

His sugars in four ships.

The chest of plate, with the bottom of a hatful of pearl and some amber.

The oils sold at Plymouth in price and quantity.

The mercer's shop of velvets and silks.

The riches found in the house of the city, yet must he needs have the benefit of a prisoner that of more right and equity ought to be mine.

Besides many other things to me unknown.

And there be great presumptions that he took treasure good store out of the other two flyboats that were taken at the same time and not searched by me and Mr. Dorrell, as the other was, whereout we took the six score bags that contained the money in question. And I assure your honour that if I be guilty or blameable for taking and using this money being good prize (whereof I doubt), then I dare warrant it will fall out that Her Majesty is yet deceived of 7,000l. or 8,000l. which she ought
to have as well as this. But I think it will not fall out so happy for Her Majesty's profit as that I should be faulty; for if it be no prize, then in all reason and justice am I clear, as by the charter parties will appear.—Undated.

Signed :—A. Ashley.

1 p. (174. 85.)

Sir Gilly Merrick.

[1596.]

“Chargeable on Sir Gilley Merrick, with the proofs and his answers.”

This contains Merrick's answers to the charges contained in the preceding paper, and rejoinders to those answers.—Undated.

5 pp. (174. 86.)

Maurice Kyffin.

1596.

Petition to the Queen for a company of the forces presently to be employed in France.

Endorsed :—1596.

1 p. (591.)

Robert Lang to Sir Robert Cecil.

1596.

Prays for pardon to John Nell his kinsman, prisoner under capital sentence in Exeter.—1596.

½ p. (945.)

Thomas Morrall to Sir Robert Cecil.

1596.

Was charged with the murder of his late master George Wintoure of Huddington, Worcester, and acquitted, but another warrant has been procured for his apprehension. Prays that the cause be committed to the Justices of Worcester, or else be discharged.—1596.

½ p. (949.)

Hugh Bullock to the Lord Treasurer.

1596.

His cause against Robert Sadler, Edward Leechland and others, as to certain bonds of theirs, assigned by him to the Queen in payment of impost of wines. Prays for letters to the Barons of the Exchequer that the assignment may continue in that Court.

Endorsed :—1596.

Note by Lord Burghley that Mr. Baron Ewens is to confer with the Lord Chief Baron thereon.

1 ½ pp. (1643.)

—– to —–

1596.

The causes in the Court of Requests are greatly increased, and thereby a fourth attorney is requisite. If “your friend” can procure the office for the writer, he shall have 150l.

Endorsed :—1596. (2454.)

1/5p. (2454.)

Sir Richard Bingham to the Privy Council.

[1596.]

Prays for his liberty, or to be restrained in his lodgings on good security, in view of his aged years and many acceptable services; also for indifferent trial of his cause.—Undated.

1 p. (1979.)

Army : Leaders of Horse.

[1596?]

Notes by the Earl of Essex of “leaders of horse fit to be employed.”

Sir Thos. Cecil. He had one of the companies of horse at my lord of Leicester's first going into the Low Countries.

Sir Rob. Sidney. He hath been a captain of horse near 10 years and had the place of colonel of all the light horse at Tilbury.

Sir John Wingfield. He served on horseback and was hurt at the encounter before Zutphen, and had 100 horse whilst he commanded in Bergen, and 300 at Gertrudenberg, with which he gave two or three blows to the enemy.

Sir Wm. Knollys. He was a captain of horse in the Low Countries.

Sir Ant. Shirley. He both served on horseback in the Low Countries, where he was taken prisoner, and commanded all the English horse in Brittany, where he fought with them divers times.

Sir Thos. Shirley, junr. He had a company of horse in the Low Countries.

Sir Matthew Morgan. He served on horseback long under Sir John Norris and carried Sir Roger Williams' cornet at the retreat of Ghent. He was dangerously wounded serving on horseback under me in France, and was captain of horse in the Low Countries.

Sir Nicholas Parker. He was in my time lieutenant of Sir Wm. Pelham's horse company, and hath since been many years captain, and hath done valiantly in all encounters.

Sir Chr. Blunt. He was lieutenant in my time to Sir Tho. Perrott, of my lord of Leicester's company of horse, and rescued Sir Fras. Vere when his horse was slain before Zutphen and lay so upon him as the enemy had almost hold of him. He was after captain of horse, and was maimed of one hand in the service of Berk.

Sir Edw. Yorke. He hath long and often been captain of horse, and amongst many other notable services which I know of and have seen, he gave one charge in the suburbs of Lisbone towards the fields, which was one of the two causes of saving our army, which was once ready to run.

Sir Tho. Knollys. Was captain of horse in the Low Countries.

Capt. Arthur Bourcher. He hath had often commandment of horse, against the Scots, in Ireland, and in the Low Countries.

Capt. Wm. Selby. He was my lieutenant in the Low Countries of mine own company of horse, and is both discret and valiant.

Mr. H. Mackwillams. He commanded Sir John's horse in Brittany after Sir A. Ashley came away, where I heard he both served well and was hurt.

Capt. Oliver St. John. He commanded my horse company in France after Sir Ed. Yorke came home, and both commanded orderly and served very valiantly, namely, the first day of the seige of Rouen, when he had his horse killed in a charge, which he performed very well.

Capt. Merick. He served long in Sir John Norris's horse company in the Low Countries, and was there 14 years since taken prisoner, and was my cornet both in the Low Counties and France.

Capt. Conway. He was lieutenant to Sir Chr. Blunt. In the Low Countries he commanded my lord of Leicester's carabines, and had charge of a squadron of my horse company in France. Of his quality there is not any man more valiant or sufficient for this kind of service.

Capt. Edmondes. He long served on horseback under Sir Jo. Norris in the Low Countries and commanded a squad of horse under me in France. He is also very tall orderly soldier and is maimed of a leg and therefore fitter for this than to serve on foot.

Holograph by Essex. 3 pp. (47. 85.)

Levies.

[1596?]

“Schedule of the numbers to be levied, with the names of the captains;” giving the number of men to be levied in each shire, the names of the captains, and of the superintendents of the groups of shires.

Total number of men, 4,000.

2 pp. (47. 87.)

Treasurer of The Chamber.—Receipts And Payments.

[1596?]

(1.) List of the days of payment out of the duchy of Lancaster to the Cofferer of the Household and Treasurer of the Chamber. To the former 8,000l. is paid by instalments, 31 Jan., 7 Feb., 6 March, 6 April, 21 June, and 28 Sept.; to the latter, 4,000l. at the four terms.

1 p. (48. 53.)

(2.) Yearly payments of the Treasurer of the Chamber for the five years 28 to 32 Eliz. showing an average of 14,505l. 12d.

1 p. (48. 54.)

(3.) The like for the five years 33 to 37 Eliz. showing an average of 12,678l. 18s. 8d.

1 p. (48. 55.)

(4.) Money “heretofore yearly granted by warrant dormant from her Majesty” to the Treasurer of the Chamber's office, viz.:—

From the Exchequer 2,400l., from Sir Philip Botteler, receiver of the duchy of Lancaster, 4,000l.; from the clerk of the Hanaper, 3,800l.; and from the receiver of the duchy of Cornwall, 3,600l. Total, 13,800l.

1 p. (48. 56.)

(5.) “Brief declaration” of the payments made in the Treasury of the Chamber for one whole year 33 Eliz., viz.:—

To the bishop almoner, rewards to noblemen's servants, largess to heralds, wages of trumpeters, violens, flutes, sagbutts, footmen and the other household servants, in all 39 items. Total, 13,078l. 18s. 8¼ d,

Petition to the Queen showing that the captainship of Norham is of that small value that my Lord never made benefit of it since he had it, but from time to time hath given it to some servant or friend of his. There is no fee belonging to it, only the benefit of it is in a small demesne which it hath, which at most cannot be worth 50l. a year. The tithes of Norham my Lord has by lease from the Dean and Chapter of Durham. That lease is worth to my Lord near 300l. a year which he reserves to himself : only the captainship he hath given me as much as his interest is therein, and my humble suit is that I may have my life interest therein confirmed by letters patent.

Draft. Unsigned. Undated. (45. 62.)

The Queen to the King of Scotland.

[1596?].

I suppose you will not conceive any evil impression of my judgment nor my affection to you so small as that I should so long have refrained my hand from such grateful acceptance of so kind a letter as your last did show me, were it not that I should disfurnish mine of answer of that which you required to know. For though I have well noted the sundry times that this resident ambassador hath had my audience (in which many kindnesses have passed in wonted sort) yet nothing more was said but that the baron with you hath not, nor ever shall have, other commission than to remember you for your own weal, to commit nothing that might displease me, but warns you to believe that it is your only surety to rely of me; and of the other matter not one word I heard. Now for your good advice you gave him, I never heard more necessary council for him, if he have grace to follow it, but he hath too much “spaniolysed” about him to be capable of such advice. But as I told his ambassador I saw he would make me too vainglorious to have the fame alone of resisting his bald attempts. For I did vow that, though I were of the feminine sex, I could never endure such affronts as of late he hath done many, for my shallow brain would not fathom so deep as to consider so much of my people that I left myself out of the reckoning : but I should think that I should make both them and me contemned, if my enemies should see I could bear so much. The king is so used with my fond speeches that he will look of the experience of my love and let my follies go. Thus you see, my good brother, that I am of this religion qui vadit plane vadit sane. For your part you have played it in this matter so wisely and with such good caution that not I alone, who finds myself indebted to you for your kindness, but yourself might by good reason, can yourself thank for using so good a method with your wellbeloved, and remember that, for silence, you made not your worst choice of me that never yet uttered word that you desired might be reserved. And of that assure you; for, if ought be in me of value, that is not the least that I can both keep my own counsel and friends. And, in recompence of ought best worth that I can pay you with, account this prayer in chiefest degree, that I
desire that all yours that best ought do carry a sound, unspotted faith unto you, not seeking more their own than yours. This is my text. As for paraphrases I can make none, and end this scribbling both with my hearty thanks and best wishes to you.

Sonnet addressed to the Earl of Essex. Begins—“Sweet Lord, even in thy warlick terror sweet.” Ends—“Service each mayde to mother's son applies.”—1596.

1 p. (204. 49.)

Roger Walton to the Earl of Essex.

[? 1596].

I have well conceived of my punishment and long imprisonment in Holland, and my present miserable case. I have no money or means for my release and have fallen into the displeasure of the Queen and yourself. Yet I desire to serve you in one of these ways here set down.

I will leave England secretly and go to Pralseg [Prague] to the Emperor's court. The Secretary of Don Clement de Capell, the Spanish Ambassador, is High Dutchman of my acquaintance and will entertain me, especially as I shall show him my condemnation and of my troubles in Holland, and that I have stolen out of England only to remain with him. Since the Practisers and the Jesuits were put out of France, the chiefest of them are at “Prakeg,” and no man is sent overland from Spain or Italy to the Low Countries or England but he is addressed to the King's Ambassador or the Pope's nuncio there. I shall thus be in the first position to do good service and can send every week to “Noringebrow” and thence by the ordinary posts to London.

Or I will go to Italy or Spain for a year or two. I will get letters of recommendation from my friends at Prake. Or I can go to the Prince of “Ledes,” bishop of Liege and Colen, one of the Electors to the Empire and brother to the Duke of Buveray [? Bavaria], who keeps his court near to Brussels. And in my journey towards Prake I will go by the college of Wirttiesbrowe, and if I cannot take Chambres or Philipes before my departure, if that be desired, I can find a cotish [Scottish] Doctor there who will tell me what they have been doing and where they are. And I doubt not but to procure one of them to come into England and justify the whole practice to the faces of the best of the Talbots, and concerning Mistress Arbel or Lady Arbel, one that I never see in my
life. This doctor hath been my bedfellow and has written to me in England since I left there. Or again I will go to the court of Cotland [Scotland] to Colonel Stuart whom I knew when he was ambassador to Holland. I will tell him I am come out of England for debt and for that I am stranger there, will ask to be put into the service of the King's Secretary or some other so that I may do some service. For my return I am ready to pawn 800l. worth of bonds to the Queen. And if none of this please, I would ask to have the liberty of London, on condition of appearing once every twenty-four hours at some place appointed in the city; and then I will write to all the places where I have friends for intelligence, and will do other service in London as I may. And if it please you to employ me, it must not be known that I am not still in disgrace. And so I beseech your pity upon me most miserable poor prisoner, like to be undone by many executions of debt unless I may have my liberty.—Undated.

Holograph. English written by a foreigner. 2 pp. (58. 65.)

Spanish Preparations.

1596.

Examination of Pedro Ramus, of the town of Moores in Galizia, being one of the company of a small bark called the Good Jhesus.

He, with 8 others of his company, 10 days past, departed from Moores with conger, dowse and pilchards for Bilbao, and was taken by Captain Legatt 3 leagues from Sezark.

Touching the King of Spain's preparations, about 10 weeks past the Delantado departed from Lisborne with 100 sail, with intent, as it was reported, to join Suriago his fleet, which was then at Vigo, and so to come for England, minding to land at the Isle of Wight. But was through extreme foul weather constrained with his fleet to put into Faroll, having lost near about the Cape Fenister 24 sail of them, with 3,000 men, besides 2,000 that died by sickness in the rest of his fleet.

That Captain Suriago about 3 months past arrived at Vigo with 40 sail of ships and pinnaces, which he brought thither out of Biskey : and 20 days past departed from thence with his fleet to Faroll, having lost many of his men by sickness the time they were at Vigo. That it was reported there were in the two fleets at the first 15,000 men, of which there were lost and died by sickness before they came to Faroll 6,000, besides those that have died since, which are thought to be many by reason of the sickness that is amongst them.

That all the soldiers are lodged in divers places within 20 leagues compass of Faroll, where the King doth allow them 6d. each man per diem for their victuals.

That the whole fleet of shipping with the mariners remains at Faroll, except some of the mariners which are licensed to depart with commandment to return again when they shall be called for.

Farther, he saith it was reported that certain of Captain Suriago's companies should go for Biskey to bring from thence to Faroll 8 gallions that were ready at the passage.

Examination of Pedro Ramus of the same town, kinsman to the above named.

That 10 weeks past the Delantado of Castile departed from Lisborne with 100 sail of shipping of all sorts, the greatest part of them being Flemings taken perforce, of which 100 sail there were lost about Cape Finester between 20 and 30 sail, of which the gallion St. Tiago was
one, and in the said ships there were lost, as it was reported, near about 5,000 men; the rest arrived at Faroll about 2 months past.

Secondly, that the Captain Suriago [underlined, and marginal note in Robert Cecil's hand “hebur”] having lain at Vigo 2 months, where there died many of his people, came to Faroll 20 days past with the rest of his fleet, being 30 sail of all sorts, which he brought thither from the passage in Bisky.

Thirdly, about 20 days past there arrived also at Faroll 20 hulks and flyboats which came from Cevill with provisions of victuals for the army, and as it was reported, there was a greater quantity to come from thence, for that the country of Galizia and thereabouts is not able to relieve them.

Fourthly, that the whole fleet did consist at the first of 15 or 16 thousand men, whereof there were lost and died before they came to Faroll above 6,000; the rest of the soldiers are lodged in divers places within 20 leagues compass about Faroll, the whole fleet of shipping being in Faroll but many of the mariners licensed to depart to their houses, with commandment to return again when they shall be called for. The Delantado himself being at a town called Pontadema, which is 4 leagues from Faroll, by reason of the sickness that is amongst his companies, where they die very fast.

Endorsed :—“1596.”

1 p. (204. 46.)

Footnotes

1. This and the corresponding additions which follow are in Lord Burghley's handwriting.